First published on 13 August 2024 on Newsline

The fully accessible play space is the latest addition outside the home of the popular multi-sensory facility, the Southern Centre.

“We often found people were using the back entrance while waiting for their session in the Southern Centre multi-sensory room,” says Southern Centre Team Leader Linda Healion.

“We decided the space was the perfect area to create plantings, artwork and sensory installations to supports visitors journey into the Southern Centre and again as they leave.” 

The space features sensory play elements including talk tubes from one side of the space to the other, a wheelchair accessible picnic table, and planter boxes with built in seating.

The area has colourful panes, astroturf, and a painted mural across the walls leading to a tactile, sensory artwork.

“We wanted this space to attract a diverse group of people of all ages and abilities,” Ms Healion says.

“The space is open to all who use the facility and promotes the idea of sensory play in everyday life, no matter who you are.”

The Southern Centre is a multi-sensory environment for people of all ages and abilities, particularly those who have learning differences, cerebral palsy, autism, multiple disabilities, anxiety or stress-related problems.

Find more information on the Southern Centre here.